Few conditions are harder to recover from than a Clostridioides difficile infection. However, for some individuals, symptoms resurface following treatment. This is called c diff recurrence.
The return of an infection is not only frustrating, but it can be also disconcerting. Knowing how it occurs, what to look for, and how recurrence is treated can properly prepare you to react appropriately.
What is C. Diff Recurrence?
Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a bacterium that can cause inflammation of the colon. It often occurs when antibiotics kill off the good bacteria in the gut.
Even if the treatment clears the infection, however, there can be bacteria or their spores left. The gut microbiome can also be altered so that C. diff is better able to regrow again.
Recurrence usually takes place within weeks of finishing treatment, but may occur even much later.
How Will You Know If C. Diff Has Returned?
There are several reasons why some digestive symptoms can appear after intestinal infection. But some changes should be seen by a doctor.
Signs that C. diff might be back include:
- Frequent watery diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping or tenderness
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Dehydration
- Unusual fatigue
When diarrhea comes back after Clostridium difficile treatment, consult your doctor because diarrhea could be any number of things, including infection return.
Why Can C. Diff Come Back?
The spores that C. diff produces are difficult to remove and can lead to recurrence between flares of illness. Antibiotics could still target the normal bacteria that help protect your gut.
You are at greater risk if you:
- Recently took antibiotics
- Are older
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have had C. diff before
- Have certain underlying medical conditions
- Require hospitalization or long-term care
The presence of one recurrence can also increase the likelihood of another.
What If It Does Come Back?
A doctor would decide what tests must be performed examining your medical history and symptoms. Testing is necessary because distinctive conditions may lead to similar types of symptoms.
When recurrence is verified, alternative antimicrobial regimens or a breakthrough treatment strategy concentrated on repeat disease are included. People who have more than one episode might also be given other treatments that help to restore healthy bacteria in the gut.
The answer depends on several factors including if you have received any treatments for the infection previously, how chronic your infection is, and what your overall health looks like.
Can You Prevent Another Episode?
There is no foolproof way to prevent recurrence of C. diff, but you can take some preventive measures.
Do not use antibiotics except for medically significant reasons, and this only in accordance with a prescription. Inform prescribers of a previous C. diff infection before antibiotics are prescribed.
Good hand hygiene also matters. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom and before meals.
When to Get Medical Help
Do not disregard severe or persistent diarrhea subsequent to C. diff remedy. Get medical help immediately if your symptoms return − and especially if you develop a fever, severe abdominal pain, blood in the stool, or signs of dehydration.
Assessment when you suspect C. diff can identify if an indicator of success is in fact a C. diff recurrence, and thus, the need for further treatment.
